Chapter 3,
"Where is the wonder? Where is the awe?
Where's dear Alice, knocking on the door?
Where's the trapdoor that takes me there, where the real
is shattered by a Mad March Hare?"
~ I Want My Tears Back by Nightwish
Soft padded footsteps echoed through the near empty cavernous halls as two small figures carefully made their way towards the healing section of the castle. The two figures darted behind a pillar as one of the servants walked past. Once the person was out of earshot, the younger of the two hidden figures sent a glare at his companion as he whispered:
"We are going to get caught. This was a terrible idea."
The fair-haired companion rolled his eyes and returned the glare. "Only if you keep opening your big mouth every two minutes."
The other was about to make a retort, but quickly shut his mouth and they both hid further into the shadows as another servant strolled pass their hiding spot. Once they were sure it was clear, the older boy winked at the other with a mischievous grin. "Come on, brother, where is your sense of adventure?" The younger returned the grin as they emerged from the shadows, scanning around for any more potential captors; they made a dash for another pillar, then another, and another. Finally, they were in the main healing room. After a cursory glance about the room, they quietly snuck around the furniture and peaked a look in rooms whose door was ajar. So far, they were having no luck in finding their target.
After several unsuccessful doors, the younger, dark haired, boy mouthed the words 'Where is it?' to his brother, a shrug of the shoulders was all his reply. Continuing their search, they came across a room with a small figure in the bed. Eyes alight with excitement, the fair-haired boy looked at the other. This must be the room!
As quiet as they could possibly move, they entered the room, softly shutting the door behind them. Hesitant, but determined, both boys approached the bed on opposite sides and looked down on the object of their search. Slowly, both boys raised their heads and locked questioning eyes. A silent understanding flowed between them. This was not what they were expecting. They had overheard talk of a child that the All-Father had brought home with him after his trip to Svartalfheim, that the child was unconscious and needed healing. But nothing else was said. No one voiced what the child looked like, why the All-Father had brought the child home, and why no one was allowed to see them, except the healers, the Queen and the King himself.
So naturally, the boys were curious. It was all they discussed after dinner. They shortly had retired to their bedchambers, but thoughts of the secret child plagued them so much that they met halfway between their rooms, still in their evening clothes, having been too occupied with their thoughts to change, and with a grin they shared a knowing look. They were going to see this mysterious child. Tonight.
Now they were here. And they didn't know what to do, or how to react. They were expecting to find an ugly, sick dwarf, perhaps even deformed. But nothing could compare to the surprise they found. A young elf girl lay on her back, dark red hair flowing beside her pale arms and under the blanket. Her dark eyebrows furrowed together, clearly troubled by whatever she was dreaming.
"Thor…"
"Loki…"
The boys whispered in unison. In continued perfect sync, their eyes found their way back to the oblivious girl.
Loki struggled to breathe again, as it felt like someone punched all the air out of his lungs. Unbeknownst to him, his brother was going through a similar reaction.
Clearing his throat, he whispered, "Thor, I think we should leave. Now."
His statement instantly pulled Thor out of his own thoughts of the girl before him and shot an unbelieving look at his brother. He raised an eyebrow, as if to say, 'Are you serious?'
"We just got here. I am not going anywhere. It is getting more interesting by the moment, and you want to leave? You wanted to come here just as much as me, if not more. What has gotten into you?"
Irritation was rising in Loki. But for the life of him, he couldn't answer Thor's last question. He didn't understand why, but he suddenly felt the urge to run away. "We shouldn't be here in the first place. Yes, I was curious. Yes, I wanted to know more. But now I think we made a big mistake. Let's go." The last two words were warningly spoken between his teeth.
But Thor ignored it. "If you want to go, fine. But I'm staying a little longer. At least I'm not afraid of some girl."
Loki glared darkly at his brother. But before he could reply, voices sounded at the door. Someone was about to enter. The two boys forgot their differences and swiftly dove under the bed as far from the edges as possible, in hopes to avoid discovery. They listened as a lone pair of footsteps made their way to Thor's side of the bed and stop directly in front of the boy's wide-eyed face. They dared not breathe. Movement could be heard above them and then the figure retreated back out the door. The boys waited a few moments in case they came back. They didn't.
Cautiously, both boys crawled out from under the bed and stood once more by the sleeping girl. A damp rag rested on her forehead now. And her face looked less troubled, peaceful even. A strand of red hair was stuck to her slightly moist cheek. Tentatively, Thor reached out a hand to move it out of the way. His hand paused as a warning sound came from his side; an apprehensive Loki met his eyes. Ignoring the look his brother gave, Thor continued his movement and gently brushed her hair away. The girl sighed and tilted her head into his fingers. Thor's breath caught in his throat at the action, as his face and belly grew warm. His hand trembled slightly as he drew away from her.
"Maybe…" Thor breathed out, and then licked his suddenly dry lips. "Maybe we should go."
Loki's face relaxed somewhat. But then his eyes grew wide in silent panic.
"Uhm… Thor?"
"Yes?"
"How are we going to get out?"
The boys met each other's gaze as they both came to the same conclusion. They hadn't thought of an escape plan. How were they going to get out without being noticed?
Loki began to pace the length of the bed, thrusting his hands into his hair in frustration. "Great! Just great. That is the last time I let you take the lead in planning."
"Calm down! It is not that bad."
The raven-haired boy stopped in his tracks and stared incredulously at his brother.
"'Not that bad'?" he repeated. "'Not that bad'? Look at where we are, Thor! If Father finds us here, I cannot even imagine what kind of punishment he'll give us. We were just going to take a quick look and get out of here. Now we are trapped. How is this 'not that bad'?"
"Okay…I admit," although begrudgingly, "that it is a little bad. But come on, we can think of something. We always do." Thor's frown turned into a lopsided grin; one that Loki couldn't help but return. It did seem like they always found a way out of complicated situations. Sure, they had been caught a few times before. But for the most part, they were an unstoppable team. What they needed to do now was combine their minds and think of a way out that would keep them from the sight of others. They could go back the way they came, but that would leave the danger of blindly running into someone right outside the door. There was a small window on the far side of the room they hadn't noticed before. The two boys quietly rushed over to it and peered out. They were on the ground level of the castle. It would be easy to climb out of the window and sneak around until they found another opening, but the challenge was finding a door that was unguarded. Which was unlikely because there was almost always a sentry on duty. If they were caught, this late at night, disaster was imminent.
Sudden movement behind the boys made them turn around as quick as lightning, expecting to be caught. But no one was there. It seemed the girl simply rolled over to her side, quite noisily for someone as delicate looking as she was, and now faced away from them. The boys let out relieved sighs. They returned their sights out the window, scanning for patrol guards.
"It's now or never, I suppose," said Thor.
Loki nodded as Thor unlatched the window and they carefully lifted it up. As they were about to climb through, Thor turned around to look at the girl, a grin that one could almost call smug making its way onto his face. "Even if we are caught, brother, she was worth it."
Loki glanced at her as well. "She better be," was all he said.
They jumped out the window and hurriedly closed it as silently as possible. They made their way around the castle, using the shadows as an ally, and several times had to pause until a sentry passed them by unnoticed. Once inside the castle, they repeated the process until they made it to their respective bedchambers. Both boys quickly changed clothes, in case one of their parents came to check on them, and jumped into bed.
As Thor laid his head back onto his pillows, he once again thought about the mysterious elf girl. Her appearance was different, that was for sure. Pretty, but different. That simple, innocent thought made something in his belly flutter. He wondered what she would be like once she awoke. Would she be like other girls, afraid to get dirty, scared to go on adventures without their parents' knowledge, or have mock battles? Or would she be different in that regard too? He hoped so. As his eyes drifted shut, a small, gentle smile graced his boyish features as he fell into a pleasant sleep.
Loki, on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder why Odin decided to bring this girl home. Why he had time to help other children whom he did not know, but no time to celebrate or be proud of his youngest son's accomplishments. Loki wondered if this girl would come between him and his family. He hoped not. It were troubling thoughts like these that haunted the raven haired boy as his eyes drifted shut, and fell into a restless sleep.
Rays of daylight filtered in through cracks of the curtains adorning the tall solitary window; its golden hands far-reaching. In minuscule movements, its warmth eventually made its way onto a sleeping face. Successfully disturbing their deep slumber. Behind dark lashes, chestnut pools emerged from the cracks. Blurred vision slowly replaced with clear sight after the possessor blinked away the fog that engulfed her. Warily, she rose up in the bed, taking in the strange surroundings. The last thing she remembered was being alone, cold, and lying on frozen stone. It seemed she was still alone, but no longer did she feel the numbing winter air. Instead, it was pleasantly warm. Soft fabric clung to her body, begging for her to stay. And she would have, had she known her whereabouts and not feel the growing fear in her mind and chest.
Carefully, but quickly, she pushed the blankets off of her and tiptoed over to the window. Drawing back the curtain about an inch, a gasp escaped her lips as an unexpected sight momentarily blinded her wide eyes. Sunlight exploded in the clear blue sky, a flock of birds flying high, golden buildings scattered amongst green fields, and snow capped mountains stood proud in the distance. All fear and doubt melted away like a snowflake in the middle of summer. It had been a long time since she last saw a world above ground. So long since she saw such beauty.
Tears burned her eyes as a wild, but almost instinctual, desperate urge to run free throughout the land brought her pale hands up to the window latch as fast as she could physically move. After it was finally opened, she leaned out and scanned the area. It was clear. Without a thought, without a backwards glance, the girl gracefully leapt out the window and sprinted towards a towering, but beautifully kept, rose hedge. She discovered, to her wild delight, that it was a maze. With a smile so bright it could rival the sun itself, she bolted inside.
Roses of various colors and sizes decorated the maze walls. As she twisted and turned around the corners, following an innocently insatiable curiosity, she picked a tiny rosebud, its petals freshly emerging from its cocoon. Tucking her hair and flower delicately behind an ear, she clasped her hands together behind her back as she strolled along the maze.
Before long, the path ahead of her widen considerably. A white gazebo covered in vines and roses nestled inside one of the walls caught her attention and drew her to a halt. A shadowed, lone figure sat at a table underneath, surrounded by small stacks of books. Currently, an enormous one blocked the person's face from her view. Without a sound, she cautiously approached. She was caught in an internal battle with herself. Her mind said to run, this was a stranger; her heart told her to find out what the book was called; and her gut assured her that she was safe.
As soon as her foot touched the first step leading up into the entrance, the large book fell down to reveal a young, and startled, raven-haired boy. The girl froze in place as his sharp blue eyes locked her in place, one foot on the step, and one hand on a carved pillar. The boy's eyes grew wide and his mouth parted as he gaped at her.
Loki had retreated early from the confines of the castle to his private sanctuary in the rose maze. Hidden away in his favorite nook, he tiredly dove into his studies. He hardly slept last night; images of the elf girl transforming into a hideous frost giant plagued his dreams. Thor was of no comfort that morning after breakfast. The girl was all he could talk about once they were out of earshot of others. So, as quickly as he could, he swept up his bag of study materials and raced out into the gardens; hoping studying would distract his troubled mind. Hours passed him by, and not a single soul had been seen in this part of the maze. He didn't mind though. That was why he liked it here. While he enjoyed companionship, he also enjoyed his time alone. He could gather his thoughts and meditate on them in peace.
That was why, when he heard a low rustle near him, he was startled out of his reading. He was half expecting to see Thor, or his mother, so when his book dropped down to reveal none other than the elf girl's dark eyes staring straight into him, he was rendered speechless. They were motionless for several, long moments. Both surprised at the appearance of the other, and unsure of how to proceed from there.
The girl shifted her feet nervously before gesturing to his hands.
"What are you reading?" she asked in a timid voice.
Loki looked down and realized she was referring to the book that lay completely forgotten in his hands. Returning her gaze, he replied just as quietly.
"The History of the World Tree."
She looked thoughtful for a moment, her gaze lingering on the book.
"Do you like it?"
"What?" Loki asked, dumbfounded. His mind was still reeling, and therefore did not comprehend what she meant by the question.
"Do you like reading about the World Tree?" she repeated, her voice now steady and sure.
"Oh." The boy felt his cheeks burn as he realized how stupid he must seem to her. "Most of the time. But there are moments when I'd rather hear my brother sing. Which, to speak truthfully, sounds like someone dying."
The girl laughed aloud at that. Which, with the knowledge that he caused it, made his belly do a strange flip. To his ears, her laugh was something beautiful. The genuine joy in the sound was what made him smile in return. Then an idea popped into his head; an idea that he nearly dismissed immediately. However, his mouth had taken it upon itself to speak it aloud.
"Would you like to read it with me?"
Her smile fell and she looked almost startled by the request; his own heart increased speed as he awaited her reply.
Dark eyes darted from his own eyes to the book in his hands, and back again. A torn look of uncertainty and longing, a desire to stay and flee; it was unnerving to watch.
Loki furrowed his brows as he took in the conflict she was obviously in. "Can you read?"
He saw a look of anger flash across her face at his question, but it was replaced with one that was almost like shame. She wouldn't meet his eyes as she quietly admitted, "I know a little. But my schooling was abruptly stopped when I was younger."
"Why?"
An exasperated sigh escaped her lips. "I don't know."
She clearly wanted him to drop the subject, as it seemed it was a sensitive one. Loki, however, couldn't help but feel a little angry himself for the fact that he could tell she was being dishonest with him. She knew why her studies stopped. He could tell by the way her fingers were fidgeting and slightly tugging on her nightgown. And she still wouldn't meet his eyes, choosing instead to stare out towards the maze walls.
He took a deep breath as he looked down at the book once more, his anger quickly dissipating. Glancing up, the girl was in the same position. Except her eyes now roamed over the stacks of books on the table. Loki felt a corner of his lips pull upward.
"Okay, let us come to an agreement, then." Her eyes shot up to his as he had caught her attention. "I will cease my inquires as to your schooling since it bothers you, if you agree to do something for me."
The girl raised a brow. "And what would that be?"
Loki grinned mischievously. "If you meet a boy named Thor, don't stare at his eyebrows."
Confusion masked her face. "Why should I not stare?"
"Just don't."
"Okay..."
"Do you agree?"
She thought for a moment. Then smiled as she made her decision. "Very well. I agree!"
"Good! Now, you can either stand where you are or you can come up here and sit with me while I read aloud. You choice."
The elf girl bounded up the steps faster than Loki expected and nearly dropped his book as she sat down right beside him.
Clearing his throat, and burying the sudden fluttering in his belly, he opened the book and began reading where he had left off before the girl's appearance.
Sorry it took so long! Thank you to those who have been patient. Hope you enjoyed the 3rd chapter of Don't Say Goodbye!
